Biomaterial Database

RNA N6-methyladenosine modification, spermatogenesis, and human male infertility. 2021

Zhonglin Cai, and Yamei Niu, and Hongjun Li

Department of Urology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.

RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification is one of the main forms of posttranscriptional modification, and its dysregulation is involved in a series of pathological processes. RNA m6A regulators, which mediate dynamic RNA m6A modification, are expressed in almost all types of testicular cells, including spermatogenetic cells and somatic cells. Cumulative studies have found that knockout of RNA m6A regulators in the testis leads to abnormal metabolism of the target mRNAs, which eventually causes spermatogenetic disorders and infertility. To date, a role for dysregulated RNA m6A modification in human male infertility remains elusive; however, dysregulated expression of RNA m6A regulators in abnormal human semen samples, including oligospermia, asthenozoospermia and azoospermia, has been found. Therefore, we speculate that abnormal RNA m6A methylation may be an important mechanism of male infertility. In this review, we summarize the recent findings regarding the spatiotemporal expression of RNA m6A regulators in the testes, mechanisms of RNA m6A modification in spermatogenesis and the relation between dysregulated RNA m6A regulators and human male infertility. In addition, we also discuss future directions in studying the molecular mechanism of male infertility and exploring their clinical applications from the viewpoint of RNA m6A modification.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D007248	Infertility, Male	The inability of the male to effect FERTILIZATION of an OVUM after a specified period of unprotected intercourse. Male sterility is permanent infertility.	Sterility, Male,Sub-Fertility, Male,Subfertility, Male,Male Infertility,Male Sterility,Male Sub-Fertility,Male Subfertility,Sub Fertility, Male
D008297	Male		Males
D005544	Forecasting	The prediction or projection of the nature of future problems or existing conditions based upon the extrapolation or interpretation of existing scientific data or by the application of scientific methodology.	Futurology,Projections and Predictions,Future,Predictions and Projections
D005786	Gene Expression Regulation	Any of the processes by which nuclear, cytoplasmic, or intercellular factors influence the differential control (induction or repression) of gene action at the level of transcription or translation.	Gene Action Regulation,Regulation of Gene Expression,Expression Regulation, Gene,Regulation, Gene Action,Regulation, Gene Expression
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000241	Adenosine	A nucleoside that is composed of ADENINE and D-RIBOSE. Adenosine or adenosine derivatives play many important biological roles in addition to being components of DNA and RNA. Adenosine itself is a neurotransmitter.	Adenocard,Adenoscan
D012323	RNA Processing, Post-Transcriptional	Post-transcriptional biological modification of messenger, transfer, or ribosomal RNAs or their precursors. It includes cleavage, methylation, thiolation, isopentenylation, pseudouridine formation, conformational changes, and association with ribosomal protein.	Post-Transcriptional RNA Modification,RNA Processing,Post-Transcriptional RNA Processing,Posttranscriptional RNA Processing,RNA Processing, Post Transcriptional,RNA Processing, Posttranscriptional,Modification, Post-Transcriptional RNA,Modifications, Post-Transcriptional RNA,Post Transcriptional RNA Modification,Post Transcriptional RNA Processing,Post-Transcriptional RNA Modifications,Processing, Posttranscriptional RNA,Processing, RNA,RNA Modification, Post-Transcriptional,RNA Modifications, Post-Transcriptional
D013091	Spermatogenesis	The process of germ cell development in the male from the primordial germ cells, through SPERMATOGONIA; SPERMATOCYTES; SPERMATIDS; to the mature haploid SPERMATOZOA.	Spermatocytogenesis,Spermiogenesis
D013737	Testis	The male gonad containing two functional parts: the SEMINIFEROUS TUBULES for the production and transport of male germ cells (SPERMATOGENESIS) and the interstitial compartment containing LEYDIG CELLS that produce ANDROGENS.	Testicles,Testes,Testicle
D048909	Diabetes Complications	Conditions or pathological processes associated with the disease of diabetes mellitus. Due to the impaired control of BLOOD GLUCOSE level in diabetic patients, pathological processes develop in numerous tissues and organs including the EYE, the KIDNEY, the BLOOD VESSELS, and the NERVE TISSUE.	Complications of Diabetes Mellitus,Diabetes-Related Complications,Diabetic Complications,Diabetes Complication,Diabetes Mellitus Complication,Diabetes Mellitus Complications,Diabetes Related Complications,Diabetes-Related Complication,Diabetic Complication